What to expect: Fundamentals of Blacksmithing Class
Welcome to Copenhagen's only traditional blacksmith forge! This course is your gateway into the ancient art of blacksmithing, where we'll teach you all the fundamental concepts and techniques you need to start your journey as a smith. As the keepers of this traditional craft in the city, we're excited to share these time-honored skills with you.
Safety First
We always start with safety procedures and proper attire—not to scare you, but to keep you smithing safely for years to come. Working with red-hot steel is inherently risky, but with the right precautions, it becomes much more manageable. There's always some level of risk involved, but that's part of what makes it exciting!
When you're working with hot steel, mill scale (basically high-temperature rust) pops off the surface and can fly in almost any direction. That's why wearing natural fibers is absolutely critical. Synthetic materials are your enemy here—they melt and catch fire when they meet high temperatures, causing some truly nasty burns. Natural fibers might singe a bit, but they won't catch fire easily, and they definitely won't melt into your skin. This goes for everything: shirts, pants, and especially shoes.
Steel-toed or reinforced leather boots are your best friends in the forge. They're comfortable, protect your toes, and will save you from the dreaded "hot foot"—when a piece of hot steel burns right through your shoe and into your foot. Trust me, you don't want to join the ranks of smiths who've had to jump into a water bucket mid-project.
The Foundation
Before we start swinging hammers, we'll cover forge construction, how fire actually works, the basic tools every smith needs, different fuel types, and some metallurgy basics. This might sound like it's going to be a long-winded lecture, but it's really important to understand some of the science behind the craft in order to avoid things like your project melting at the last moment.
Time to Get Your Hands Dirty
Here's where the real fun begins! We'll build a small wood fire in the forge together, then gradually add coal until we have a steady, workable fire. Your first project will be forging a J-hook. I know, I know—it sounds simple, but this little hook is actually a masterclass in disguise. It covers nearly every fundamental skill you'll need as a smith:
Creating smooth tapers
Drawing steel out with control
Working stock from round to square and back to round
Basic scroll work
Understanding your anvil and all its different surfaces
Temperature control (this is huge!)
Fire management
Differential quenching
Setting clean shoulders
Stamping your work with your initials
Choosing the right hammer for each task
Familiarizing yourself with all the basic hammer blows
After I demonstrate the whole process, it's your turn to make your first hook. By the end of this project, you'll have experienced the core of what blacksmithing is all about. Plus, you'll have a functional piece you made with your own hands to take home from Copenhagen's only traditional forge.
Ready to step into centuries of tradition and create something beautiful with fire and steel? Let's get started!